Using Viagra to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Viagra (Sildenafil) is used for the treatment of male sexual problems. When you are sexually stimulated, the oral drug works to increase the flow of blood to the penis. However, the drug isn’t effective against diseases that are sexually transmitted. It is better for you to practice safe sex and use condoms. Viagra can effectively treat erectile dysfunction.

How To Use Viagra?

It is important that you read the information that is there on the leaflet provided to you by the doctor or the pharmacist. You should read the instruction even when you get a refill. For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, this drug is taken by the mouth, according to the direction of the doctor. The oral drug has to be taken at least half an hour before indulging in sexual activity. This medicine should not be taken more than once in a day.

Taking this before or after a high-fat meal might delay the working of the medicine. The dosage is based on the medical condition and also the response that you have to the treatment. You need to make sure that your doctor knows about all the products that you are using. These include:

• Non-prescription drugs;
• Prescription drugs;
• Herbal products.

Make sure that you inform the doctor when the condition does not improve.

Side Effects

Like every other medicine, Viagra has some side effects. Some of the common side effects of the drug are:

• A headache;
• Dizziness;
• Changes in vision;
• Flushing;
• Stomach upset;
• Nausea;
• Fainting;
• Severe dizziness;
• Pain in the arm;
• Chest and jaw pain.

In case, you encounter any of these problems, you should inform the doctor as soon as you can. In order to reduce the risk of lightheadedness and dizziness, you should rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Many people using this oral drug do not even suffer from any side effect. At times, these common side effects disappear when you get used to the drug.

Indulging in sexual activity can put a strain on your heart, particularly if you are suffering from any heart problem. When you have heart problems and suffer from the following side effects, you should immediately contact the doctor:

This medicine can cause a sudden decrease in the vision and permanent blindness. However, such cases are very rare. In cases like this, you should stop taking the drug and call for medical help.

Before taking Viagra, consult your doctor if you have:

1. heart disease;
2. high cholesterol;
3. high blood pressure;
4. eye problems;
5. you are over 50 years;
6. you smoke.

The drug can at times lead to ringing in the years and loss of hearing. You can also become a victim of painful and prolong erection. When such problems occur you should stop taking the drug and contact the doctor or it might lead to some permanent problems.

Precautions

Prior to taking Viagra, you need to inform the doctor if you are allergic to it. In case, you have an allergy to any other drug, you should mention that to the doctor, too. Also, inform the doctor about the medical history that you have:

• Heart problems;
• The recent history of stroke;
• Low or high blood pressure;
• Loss of water from the body;
• Scarring of the penis;
• Fibrosis of the penis;
• History of painful and prolonged erection:
• Eye problems;
• Leukemia.

The drug has a tendency of making you drowsy; hence you should avoid driving and any other task that requires you to be attentive. Limit your alcohol consumption when you take this drug. If you are having a surgery, tell the doctor about the medicine that you are using.

Viagra can cause a serious drop in the blood pressure when taken along with nitrate. This might lead to feeling dizzy. As a matter of fact, it can even be the reason for a heart attack or stroke.